Among the divisions of Port-O-Bea, there was no doubt but to be happy with what they were achieving. Two days since the capture of Harler, the Port-O-Bea army had already advanced about fifteen miles into Youden's territory. In that time, the Reserve Guard had continued to pull back away from the frontlines, as it was clear to the city's advisors that they were settling their defense among the river leading into the country's interior. This gave them the opportunity to begin making progress in taking the now-freed land, which in total would officially add up to 1.2% of the land under Port-O-Bea's occupation, and technically making it more successful than Beai's revolt. The real downside was even all their collected land, it was mostly empty with the occasional small village, hamlet, or cabin about, and adding around ten thousand more people under their control from studied census reports.
Despite that, the bright sun sure followed the mood, as the sole road leading to the river was being used by rows of carrs moving towards that river. With about five divisions prepared to engage, the bulk of the army was either waiting within the forests to reinforce or the few others fully capturing their side of the river and those inhabitants. Up front leading the charge were Sera, Jamal, and Alice who had by now recovered from her ordeal in the city. Sitting in the open space of one of the lead carrs gave them a clear view of the land ahead, which was currently flat plains, and the bridge they needed to pass over in the far distance.
"We know that they aren't going to let us cross that easily, right?" Alice was flipping through her book, attempting to conserve as much energy as possible.
"I highly doubt that," Sera assured them, as her blade almost resonated in agreement, "The recon team was able to get visual confirmation of the thousands of soldiers in their trenches and defensive network. We found about fifty tarrs, and are positive that they have artillery ready to pound our forces."
"Perfect." Jamal grinned at those words.
"What?" they both looked at him with shock, with even the few soldiers stationed with them in disbelief.
"I'm making light of the situation, it's going to be brutal." the man stopped smiling, as he stared ahead.
That dampened the mood rather quickly, as the sight of the bridge was fast approaching. Made up of stone, Jamal recalled the exact crossing those years ago fleeing from Youden's terror itself, with it being wooden instead. Even with time, Youden continued to change the land around them. But that wasn't the real issue at hand, as the group could see a lone soldier standing in the middle of the bridge, watching them approach.
"Run him over?" Alice said with little hesitation.
"Chill out for a sec," Sera looked at her in disgust, "I think we might have to talk."
Jamal just nodded, as the lead carr slowed down to the edge of the bridge. Being the first person to hop out of the vehicle, the man calmly walked to the sole figure blocking their way, armed only with a rifle on a sling over his shoulder. Jamal continued to move towards the person, ignoring the watchful eyes of those behind him, until he was a few steps away from the soldier himself.
"I know what you're doing." Jamal slid his hands into his pockets.
"You cannot advance anymore, Jamal Wrint." the soldier informed him, "This is dangerous territory, what you and your army are partaking in."
"Well, we've made this much progress so why stop now?"
"Because," the soldier turned to look towards the hills behind, "You'll face the wrath of thousands of determined men and women willing to defend against the likes of you. Weapons I'm sure you don't even have or could comprehend to imagine."
"We don't need your pity talk, now you going to offer us a deal or no?" Jamal had enough of the antics.
"Alright, as you say. Step down from your conquest, and I'm sure Youden will grant you exile into the conquered territory across the ocean. It's your decision or whoever you need to consult with, but just be aware that whatever decision you pick will have dire consequences depending on your actions."
"Ha, like that's true! I don't need to consult, and I think you know the answer." Jamal moved towards the person's ear, "Yodenia will fall."
With those words, Jamal started to back up, as the soldier simply gave him a final nod before turning in the other direction. While Jamal watched him move away, the soldier was quick to raise his hand as if to signal what he anticipated. The battle was now going to get started.
"Everyone, get ready!" Jamal managed to shout, as the first artillery shell crashed in the middle of the bridge.
Leaping back several yards, Jamal lit himself on fire before sending hundreds of fireballs towards the hills, as the bullets of thousands of rifles laid waste to the divisions on the other side.
"Pull back!" Jamal roared for them to hear, as more artillery shells began to land all around them.
The order was quite clear, as the vehicles began to slowly retreat in reverse, with their own forces attempting to return fire in defense. The firepower disadvantage was evident, as the tarrs began to climb over the hills and launch their own attacks as well.
Their first lead carr was already emptied due to the amount of damage it had already sustained before a tank shell burst into the smoking remains, causing a small explosion to blow. Thankfully, there was no one directly in harm's way just yet, even those Jamal could see them began to accumulate losses already.
"This is not going to work very well!" Sera moved to his side, "I can't do anything about this."
"I'm also still not strong enough to do much damage from here." Alice cried out in despair, "This is not good at all."
Not responding, Jamal attempted to throw a wall of fire to distort the enemy's side from their assault, although it only caused more of the bullets to spray more sporadically. The heated pieces of metal continued to pierce through the metal vehicles, as those struck by the bullets were laid to waste and died painfully. However, the good news for them was that by now, most of the forces were only in artillery range, even as the remaining vehicles turned around and fully accelerated back to the nearest forest camp. A new challenge awaited them, and would more than likely decide the outcome of their conflict for Saputa's return.